One Billion Young People Are Going Deaf Because of Loud Music (NOT a Typo)

Now that Ebola seems to be fading, the World Health Organization, being the “this-is-bad-for-you” busybodies that it is (and often with very good reasons) has issued another dire health warning. This time it has to do with the billion young people whose music is JUST TOO DAMN LOUD.

It estimates that between half of those between 12 and 25 in middle- and upper-income countries are in danger because they operate their music players and phones at volume levels higher than they should. Another 40% are at risk because they go to music events where things are turned up beyond safe levels.

So how loud is loud? WHO guideless say that more than eight hours in an environment is a volume level of 85 dB (about as loud as an iPhone can get through earbuds) is a bad idea. Even worse in environments where the volume is at 100 dB (a typical club or concert) in which hearing loss can begin to set in after as little as 15 minutes.

If we remember back to the World Cup of Soccer in South Africa, those damn vuvuzelas could pump out sound pressure leaves of 120 dB each, rending someone with hearing damage in nine seconds.

So what should be done? Check the Yahoo story for more info.